Chasing the Shadows (Nikki & Michael 3)

In the end, it wasn't as bad as she'd anticipated, though it was every bit as long. The San Francisco police seemed a whole lot more accepting of her abilities than the cops back home, which really shouldn't have surprised her, given the reputation for tolerance the city had as a whole. Even the Fed's seemed willing to accept the concept of her abilities, even if one or two of them had looked skeptical. A paramedic treated her wrist and reluctantly gave her some painkillers for her headache. A heartbeat later, power stirred the air. Michael, enforcing his will on the medic. The same thing happened any time one of the officers took notice of the blood staining the wall. His mind took theirs, bending their attention towards something else.

Her anger rose several notches every time. She understood his reasons, but understanding didn't make what he was doing any easier to accept. Didn't make it right. And it was just another thing in an ever-growing list they would have to talk about.

It was close to midnight by the time they were finally allowed to leave. By then, the pounding ache in her head had eased to a softer thud. A police officer escorted them back up the tunnel, and another helped them past the guard's crumpled body and out through the brick wall. It wasn't until they neared the lobby exit that Michael finally stepped free of the shadows.

He wrapped a hand around hers, but his attention was on Jake. “Are you going to see Mark Wainwright?"

Jake shook his head. “He'll be at the hospital with Dale, and I very much doubt if they'll let me in to see them tonight. I'll wait until morning."

"When you see him, ask him if she knew the other two women. If Nikki is right and these kidnappings are based on revenge, then there has to be some connection among the three victims. We need to find out what it is."

"Then you don't think the vamp behind all this will give up and make a run for it?"

"No. There's too much planning gone into it."

Jake sighed. “Thought I might have been a little too optimistic. I'm heading off to bed before Mary decides to kill me. I'll see you two in the morning."

"Night Jake,” Nikki said as Michael pulled her into the elevator. Jake waved a sketchy good night and disappeared up the stairs. Michael wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. She yawned and leaned her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. Being held had never felt so good. So safe. “I'm so tired it feels like my legs are shaking."

"I know.” He brushed a kiss across the top of her head. “I'm afraid it's sleep not loving for you tonight, my love."

She glanced up at him, a grin touching her lips. “I don't have to stand to be loved, you know." His warm, sexy smile sent shivers of desire skating across her skin. “True. But you do have to be awake."

She raised an eyebrow. “Have I fallen asleep on you yet?"

"No, but there's always a first time."

"It won't be this time, believe me.” Not when the ache for his touch was so bad it was almost painful. He caressed her cheek, running his finger down to her lips. “Are you sure? Given what happened tonight, it might be better—"

She stopped the rest of his words with a kiss. She didn't want to think about what had happened tonight. Not now. Not yet. Because thinking would mean acknowledging that her gifts were changing in ways she couldn't even begin to imagine. That she might be changing just as much as her gifts. Heat slithered through the link and burned through her senses. Michael groaned and pulled her so close their bodies were almost one. Their kiss deepened, became a long and sensual exploration that left them both panting with need.

The elevator came to a halt and the doors opened. Michael swung her into his arms and carried her out.

"Saving my energy, huh?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and lightly nibbled his ear. His smile shimmered through the link, a glow she felt clear down to her toes.

"Definitely. You fall asleep on me now, and I'll be one very frustrated vampire."

"No chance of that.” She undid the buttons on his shirt and ran her fingers across the hard plane of his chest.

"Good grief, woman, wait until we're inside."

She laughed softly. “I do believe the vampire is shy."

"No. Just not an exhibitionist.” He kicked the door shut, his gaze hot and filled with passion. “But I'd make love anywhere you want, anytime you want. I will never be able to get enough of you." She touched a hand to his cheek as her heart did an odd flip flop. “Never is a long time."

"With you by my side, it won't be."

She kissed his cheek. “I do love you, you know.” Even if his old-fashioned ways sometimes frustrated the hell out of her.

"There's only one frustration I'm interested in curing right now.” He placed her on her feet and began to undress her. “The rest can wait."

"For now,” she agreed softly. “For now."

* * * *

Michael brushed a kiss across Nikki's shoulder, then slowly disentangled himself from her. She stirred slightly, murmuring something he couldn't quite catch. The link between them came briefly to life, and a contented rush of love swam around him. He smiled, gently brushing the hair from her closed eyes. It was hard to believe that only four months ago he'd been considering walking away from all this. Odd how swiftly things had changed. He couldn't even begin to imagine life without her now. He kissed her cheek, then rose and went into the living room. After pouring himself a wine from the bar, he walked over to the window and studied the fog-blanketed street below. Seline? he said, reaching out with his mind.

Here. Her instant reply suggested she'd been waiting for his call. Did you find Nikki?